Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 to combat climate change and its impacts, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement represents a collective commitment by nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate-related risks, connecting deeply to the causes of climate change, human impacts on ecosystems, and strategies for mitigation and adaptation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, after being ratified by at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global emissions.
2. The agreement encourages countries to set and pursue their own emission reduction targets while also promoting transparency and accountability through regular reporting.
3. Financial support for developing countries is a key component of the Paris Agreement, enabling them to transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to climate impacts.
4. The aim of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is based on scientific evidence indicating that this threshold will significantly reduce the risks associated with climate change.
5. The agreement includes a mechanism for countries to enhance their commitments over time, known as the 'ratchet mechanism,' which encourages increasing ambition in climate action.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement address the causes of climate change and encourage nations to take action?
  • The Paris Agreement addresses the causes of climate change by establishing a framework for nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By committing to limit global warming and encouraging countries to set their own emission reduction targets, it promotes accountability and transparency. The agreement recognizes that significant reductions in emissions are essential for mitigating climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and human populations.
• Discuss the role of financial support for developing countries within the framework of the Paris Agreement and its implications for human ecosystems.
  • Financial support for developing countries is a crucial element of the Paris Agreement, aimed at helping these nations transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the effects of climate change. This support is vital because developing countries often lack the resources needed to implement sustainable practices or manage the impacts of climate change on their ecosystems. By providing financial aid, the agreement seeks to promote equity and inclusivity in global climate action, ensuring that vulnerable populations can protect their environments and livelihoods.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement's ratchet mechanism in enhancing global commitment toward mitigating climate change.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement's ratchet mechanism can be evaluated by examining its ability to encourage nations to progressively increase their emission reduction commitments over time. By requiring countries to submit updated NDCs every five years, it fosters a culture of ambition and accountability. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that countries genuinely enhance their commitments rather than merely maintaining existing levels. The success of this mechanism ultimately depends on strong international cooperation and political will among nations, making it a critical aspect of combating climate change effectively.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to global warming.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's self-defined targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement, which are expected to be updated every five years.

Climate Resilience: The ability of communities and ecosystems to withstand and recover from climate-related disturbances while maintaining essential functions.